2024 marks 75 years of ministry in Havertown

As many of you now know, Bethany was founded in 1858 as Bethany Chapel: a mission church of the Rev. John Chambers’ church. In September 1865, we joined the Presbytery of Philadelphia and grew in both size and scope for many decades. This year marks 75 years of sharing God’s Word from Havertown and an illustrious 166 years since first meeting in Philadelphia.

There is so much I hope to share about Bethany’s godly pastors, its varied ministries and people who had a heart for spreading the Good News. So let’s continue with another episode of Bethany Before…!

You ask how we came to be celebrating 75 years in Havertown and why Bethany moved from Philly to the suburbs? By 1949, the Lord made it clear that it was time for Bethany to leave the city. It is truly amazing how God provided for Bethany during a very long 18 month transition period. The original plan was to build first and then relocate. That wasn’t what the Lord had in mind!

May 15, 1949 Havertown, Pennsylvania. Bethany’s cornerstone was laid in their new building on Township Line Road. Seventy five years later we take time to celebrate all the amazing blessings God has bestowed on us.

This cornerstone ceremony marked a significant step in the life of our church. On our cornerstone, you will see two years: 1858 & 1949, representing 90 years of the Lord’s work at Bethany, first in South Philadelphia and throughout the move to our location in Havertown.

The significance of the cornerstone ceremony seventy five years ago transcends the laying of a stone; it represents the laying of a foundation for a faith community that, only by God’s grace, continues to thrive today.